Upper Elem/MS NF – Way Things Work Now; Some Writer

Posted on December 19, 2016 by pslamediaselectionreview

Macauly, David. The Way Things Work Now: From Levers to Lasers, Windmills to Wi-Fi, A Visual Guide to the World of Machines. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016. 978-0-544-82438-6. 400 p. $35.00. Gr. 3-8.

Technology has changed considerably since the first edition of Macauley’s best- selling classic The Way Things Work was published in 1988. This newest update is rife with the classic and beautiful illustrations and cutaways that are his hallmark. The wooly mammoth is back again and many of the entries are the same or only slightly revised from the previous editions. Macauley’s clear and concise prose provides explanations of the most notable inventions and technologies and the scientific principles that link many of mankind’s greatest achievements. The clever puns and jokes are still there and the illustrations are noticeably more vibrant. THOUGHTS: This edition includes dozens of new entries on the many developments of our digital age including the World Wide Web, smartphones and hybrid cars, which make this update a welcome and necessary addition to every elementary and middle school library; heck high schoolers will appreciate it as well.

600; Technology Nancy Summers, Abington SHS

Sweet, Melissa. Some Writer! The Story of E. B. White. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016. 978-0544319592. $18.99. 161pp. Gr. 3-6.

Perennial favorite children’s author E. B. White’s life and career are reviewed in this charming bio by Caldecott Honor winning author, Melissa Sweet. Beautifully designed pages with gorgeous illustrations, photographs and collages reveal his charmed life, his treasured childhood memories, his happy marriage, his lifelong love of nature and animals and his gift for writing. Sweet blends White’s own words from his classic tales and his personal correspondences into her well researched and inspiring tribute. Young and old fans alike will enjoy reading about his retreat in Maine, which served as an inspiration for his best loved work, Charlotte’s Web. The book includes an afterword by the author’s granddaughter, a timeline, an bibliography and an index. THOUGHTS: A delightful biography of a beloved American wordsmith and a recommended title for elementary libraries. Terrific!

Biography Nancy Summers, Abington SHS

MS/YA Series NF – EL Info Age; Deadliest Spiders; Drug Dangers

Posted on December 19, 2016 by pslamediaselectionreview

Essential Library of the Information Age. Minneapolis: ABDO, 2017. $24.95ea. $149.70 set of 6. 112p. Gr. 8-12.

Eboch, M.M. Big Data and Privacy Rights. 978-1-68078-282-0.

Higgins, Melissa and Michael Regan. Net Neutrality. 978-1-68078-286-8.

Laine, Carolee. Book Banning and Other Forms of Censorship. 978-1-68078-283-7 .

Laine, Carolee. Content Ownership and Copyright. 978-1-68078-284-4.

Perdew, Laura. Information Literacy in the Digital Age. 978-1-68078-285-1.

Perdew, Laura. Online Identity. 978-1-68078-287-5.

The Essential Library of the Information Age examines the sometimes contentious and controversial issues that are present in today’s digital world. As the internet and digital world has evolved and changed, so too have the ways individuals deal with issues such as privacy, identity, censorship, copyright, access to information, and content ownership. Each volume of this series investigates one of these controversial topics in-depth. Each book includes an overview of the topic under discussion, presented in terms understood by laypeople. Also included is historical background information on the topic. Controversies surrounding each topic are fully discussed, with equal weight given to both sides of the issue. Numerous real-life examples are presented within the text and also included in sidebars. Other sidebars serve to define and further explain information concepts. THOUGHTS: This series does an admirable job of presenting what can be difficult to understand topics (net neutrality, for example) in a clear, easy-to-understand manner. Illustrative examples of issues are relevant to to the topics being discussed and further enhance understanding. Recommend for purchase in schools where research/projects warrant.

Technology Elizabeth Henry, Lampeter-Strasburg HS/MS

Deadliest Predators. San Diego: Reference Point Press, 2016. $29.95 ea. $179.70 set. 80 pp. Gr. 5 and up.

Abramovitz, Melissa. Deadliest Sharks. 978-68282- 0544.

Altman, Toney. Deadliest Mammals. 978-168282- 00506.

Hirschmann, Kris. Deadliest Reptiles. 978-168282- 0520.

Hirschmann, Kris. Deadliest Snakes. 978-68282- 0568.

Hirschmann, Kris. Deadliest Spiders. 978-68282- 0582.

Nardo, Don. Deadliest Dinosaurs. 978-168282- 0483.

These titles aim to give details on the “deadliest” animals of their type. In Deadly Dinosaurs, this task is done by offering six chapters, each devoted to a different predator: T. Rex (which likely lumbered like an elephant), Carcharodontosaurus (whose first discovered bones were destroyed by a WWII bomb hitting Munich), Spinosaurus (whose bony spinal “sail” could have been used to intimidate predators), Troodon (which appears to have been the smartest of all dinosaurs), Sonorithosaurus (which had feathers and wings—for gliding not flying), and Predator X (the seas’ top predator). Predator X was huge and “had teeth that would have made a T. rex whimper” (60). Not for arachnophobes, Deadliest Spiders provides a detailed view of the world’s spiders to avoid. Photos and illustrations are kept to one per two-page spread, leaving ample room for more detail and color. Six spiders are covered in ten pages each: the Black Widow Spider (and its well-known red marking), the Brazilian Wandering Spider (which wins the title of world’s most venomous spider), the Chilean Recluse (whose venom works to liquefy its victims’ internal organs), Sydney Full-Web Spider (whose nocturnal and underground habits fortunately limit its encounters with humans), the Eastern Mouse Spider (native to Australia), and the Indian Ornamental Tarantula (due to their beautiful markings and calm nature, these are popular as pets). Each spider’s physical characteristics, homeland and hunting patterns are discussed, followed by descriptions of the effects of its venom and a caution to steer clear or proceed cautiously with any spider. Nardo closes with useful source notes, glossary, further research list, and index. THOUGHTS: A descriptive series that will attract readers for its topics and its content.

500s Animals; Dinosaurs Melissa Scott, Shenango High School

Drug Dangers. San Diego: Reference Point Press, 2016. $29.95 ea. $239.60 set. 80 pp. Gr. 5 and up.

Allen, John. The Dangers of Heroin. 978-168282- 0186.

MacKay, Jenny. The Dangers of Hallucinogens. 978-168282- 0162 .

Marcovitz, Hal. The Dangers of Methamphetamine. 978-168282- 0223.

Mooney, Carla. The Dangers of Marijuana. 978-168282- 0209.

Mooney, Carla. The Dangers of Synthetic Drugs. 978-168282- 0261.

Parks, Peggy J. The Dangers of Alcohol. 978-168282- 00124.

Parks, Peggy J. The Dangers of E-Cigarettes. 978-168282- 0148.

Parks, Peggy J. The Dangers of Painkillers. 978-168282- 0247.

Both The Dangers of Hallucinogens and The Dangers of Painkillers are structured with five chapters which cover the scope of the problem, the drug’s effects, how addictive the drug is, treatment options, and prevention of drug abuse. The format is inviting, with photographs, graphs, or sidebars added to enhance the material. The limits of the law are considered, as are challenges to the law, and difficulties that medical professionals regularly see. It is noted that teenage athletes are at risk for painkiller abuse due to injuries for which doctors prescribe painkillers. The “street names of hallucinogens” is a helpful sidebar. THOUGHTS: Overall, this a solid series that updates readers with current situations.

362.29 Drugs and Alcohol Melissa Scott, Shenango High

MS series NF – Figurative Language; Engineering; Energy

Posted on July 25, 2016 by pslamediaselectionreview

Johnson, Robin. Figuratively Speaking series. St. Catherines, Ontario: Crabtree, 2016. 32 p. $20.75 ea. $83.00 set. Gr. 5-8

Understanding Personification. 978-0-7787-1777-5.

Understanding Metaphors. 978-0-7787-1776-8.

Understanding Similes. 978-0-7787-1775-1.

Understanding Sayings. 978-0-7787-1778-2.

This series is visually appealing, combining recent images and colorful fact boxes. Each volume begins with a foundation of the topic and is then crafted into four sections entitled, Figure it Out!, Talking About It!, Write About It!, and Now It’s Your Turn!. The books also support a five step writing process with clear examples. In the book Understanding Sayings, one topic is the saying from Aesop’s Fables “The Crow and the Pitcher.” The sayings include “eat crow”, “little by little does the trick”, and “necessity is the mother of invention”. This allows for discussion with students to define prior to reading and then after reading the fable. In the book Understanding Metaphors, there is a section called Understanding Metaphors in Poetry. An excerpt from “The Highwayman” by Alfred Noyes is included. This exposes students to different vocabulary words. Thoughts: I chose to use Understanding Sayings and Understanding Metaphors to supplement lessons for sixth grade. Because the books are highly visual with colorful photographs, the book was shared to the class using the document camera. While this series provides examples for teachers to use with instruction, students may not necessarily select this book for independent reading prior to being introduced to the series.

428; Figurative Language, Idioms Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

Engineering in Action series. St. Catherines, Ontario: Crabtree, 2016. 32 p. $20.75 ea. Gr. 5-8.

Rooney, Anne. Agricultural Engineering and Feeding the Future. 978-0-7787-7504-1.

Sjonger, Rebecca. Geotechnical Engineering and Earth’s Materials and Processes. 978-0-7787-7506-5.

Sjonger, Rebecca. Biomedical Engineering and Human Body Systems. 978-0-7787-7505-8.

Snedden, Robert. Materials Engineering and Exploring Properties. 978-0-7787-7514-0.

The page layout is reminiscent of a scrapbook including colorful or historical pictures, and notes that appear clipped or pinned to the page. Agricultural Engineering includes topics such as photosynthesis and feature biographies including Jethro Tull. Human body system charts and ways to improve design are found in the Biomedical Engineering. Materials Engineering explains the Periodical Table and prototypes. Geotechnical Engineering includes a lively diagram of the rock cycle and architectural marvels such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Channel Tunnel. Each book contains a challenge to test out the career field followed by additional books and online information, a glossary and index. The titles listed above are the most current publications in the large series. THOUGHTS: This series allows students to explore areas of science that interest them while providing several activities for students to see if the career might be just right for them. Make guidance counselors aware of the series to enhance their lessons or so they can share with students aspiring to enter STEM fields.

600s; STEM Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

Next Generation Energy series. St. Catherines, Ontario: Crabtree, 2016. 32 p. $20.75. each. $249.00 set. Gr. 5-8.

Bow, James. Energy From Earth’s Core: Geothermal Energy. 978-0-7787-1979-3.

Bow, James. Energy From the Sun: Solar Power. 978-0-7787-1982-3.

Bow, James. Earth’s Climate Change: Carbon Dioxide Overload. 978-0-7787-1978-6.

Dickmann, Nancy. Fracking: Fracturing Rock to Reach Oil and Gas Underground. 978-0-7787-1984-7.

Dickmann, Nancy. Energy From Nuclear Fission: Splitting the Atom. 978-0-7787-1981-6.

Dickmann, Nancy. Burning Out: Energy from Fossil Fuels. 978-0-7787-2372-1.

Dickmann, Nancy. Leaving our Mark: Reducing our Carbon Footprint. 978-0-7787-2381-3.

Dickmann, Nancy. Energy From Water: Hydroelectric, Tidal, and Wave Power. 978-0-7787-2380-6.

Kopp, Megan. Putting Earth First: Eating and Living Green. 978-0-7787-2382-0.

Kopp, Megan. Living in a Sustainable Way: Green Communities. 978-0-7787-2000-3.

Kopp, Megan. Energy From Wind: Wind Farming. 978-0-7787-1983-0.

Stuckey, Rachel. Energy From Living Things: Biomass Energy. 978-0-7787-1980-9.

A wide range of topics including the history of climate change, solar design, the role of geysers, renewable biomass, wind power issues, ecological footprint, composting, carbon offsets, nuclear fuel, use of fossil fuels, tidal power, and the basics of fracking is covered in this middle level series. Fact boxes have rewind and fast forward features and you choose features that push the reader to analyze beyond their situation. Activities allow students to put the content into experiments. The books are presented in an organized layout with terms in bold font, topics in larger fonts, and captions to add to illustrations. Each book contains a glossary and a listing of books and websites to consult for the topics. THOUGHTS: Inspire additional reading for students and to correlate with standards in STEM research projects with this series. The experiments could be used in a class demonstration or as an interactive book talk with a class.

Science, Technology, Engineering Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

Series Nonfiction – Finance, Energy, Mythology, US History

Posted on February 1, 2016 by pslamediaselectionreview

Financial Security and Life Success for Teens (series). New York: Rosen, 2015. 80 p. $25.70 ea. Gr. 7-12.

Bickerstaff, Linda. Smart Strategies for Saving and Building Wealth. 978-1-4777-7626-1.

Harmon, Daniel E. Smart Strategies for Buying a Car. 978-1-4777-7622-3.

Landau, Jennifer. Smart Strategies for Sharing, Subletting or Renting an Apartment. 978-1-4777-7630-8.

Peterson, Judy Monroe. Smart Strategies for Investing Wisely and Successfully.978-1-4777-7618-6

Prentzas, G.S. Smart Strategies for Paying for College. 978-1-4777-7614-8.

Swanson, Jennifer. Smart Strategies for Turning an Idea into a Product or Service. 978-1-4777-7634-6.

Dealing with financial-related issues can be intimidating to many of today’s teens. The purpose of Rosen’s Financial Security and Life Success for Teens series is to help students plan and strategize in order to properly manage their personal finances. Each volume of the series addresses a financial-related topic (buying a car, investing, paying for college, etc.) that teens are likely to encounter in high school or shortly thereafter. Each title offers step-by-step advice on how to plan and budget for the scenario under discussion. Common myths about each topic are addressed and disproven. Each volume also includes lists of questions to ask when preparing to make an investment (ie. what to ask the car salesman, what to ask a potential landlord, etc.). Financial-related terms and concepts are defined and explained throughout the text. THOUGHTS: The title reviewed in this series, Smart Strategies for Buying a Car, did a credible job of making a financial-related topic accessible to secondary readers. Each step of the car purchasing process is broken down and clearly explained. Especially useful is the list of questions to ask the salesman prior to making a purchase. Students facing decisions in any of the financial issues under discussion will gain insight from this series.

300s, 600s; Economics, Management Elizabeth Henry, Lampeter-Strasburg HS/MS

$fracking$

The Economics of Energy (series). New York: Cavendish Square, 2015. 80 p. $24.95 ea. Gr. 7-12.

Bjorklund, Ruth. The Pros and Cons of Hydropower. 978-1-6271-2930-5.

Bjorklund, Ruth. The Pros and Cons of Natural Gas and Fracking. 978-1-6271-2921-3.

Hicks, Terry Allan. The Pros and Cons of Biofuel. 978-1-6271-2933-6.

Hicks, Terry Allan. The Pros and Cons of Oil. 978-1-6271-2927-5.

Stefoff, Rebecca. The Pros and Cons of Coal. 978-1-6271-2918-3.

Sullivan, Laura. The Pros and Cons of Solar Power. 978-1-6271-2924-4.

Pro and con perspectives on various types of energy are the focus of this Cavendish Square series. Each energy topic is introduced via a chapter discussing the history of the energy resource as well as descriptions of how the energy is harvested/created. Further chapters explore the benefits and disadvantages for each type of energy and the future of the each energy in today’s world. Fact boxes highlight topics of special interest or provide definition of key terms. Critical thinking boxes ask questions of the reader in order to stimulate a deeper understanding of the topic (and might also serve as inspiration for research paper topics). THOUGHTS: These accessible volumes provide up to date information on current energy topics and trends. Particularly of note to PA librarians may be the volume reviewed, The Pros and Cons of Natural Gas and Fracking, as fracking has become a large (and often controversial) part of the energy industry within the state. Recommended for purchase in schools where energy-related research occurs.

333; Energy Elizabeth Henry, Lampeter-Strasburg HS/MS

Mythology and Culture Worldwide (series). Farmington Hills, NJ: Lucent, 2015. 104 p. $39.40 ea. Gr. 7-12.

Kallen, Stuart A. African Mythology. 978-1-4205-1145-1.

MacKay, Jennifer. Hindu Mythology. 978-1-4205-1260-1.

Nardo, Don. Aztec Mythology. 978-1-4205-1166-6.

Nardo, Don. Celtic Mythology. 978-1-4205-1107-9.

Lucent Books has added four new titles to their existing Mythology and Culture Worldwide series in 2015. Each title focuses on a popular (and frequently researched) single cultural/national mythology. The origins of the mythology within the culture are presented and explored. Key myths and mythological characters and gods/goddesses are explained and defined. Connections are made between the mythology under discussion and culture that created the mythology. Readers will learn how the mythology was influenced by the culture’s history, religion, social organization and geographical/natural resources. Numerous full-color photos supplement the text, as well as charts that list key mythological characters, including descriptions and pronunciations. THOUGHTS: This series does an excellent job of placing mythology within the overall context of the culture. Readers will not only learn quite a bit about myths, but they will be well-informed on the history of the culture. The text of the volume reviewed (African Mythology) was greatly enhanced by the inclusion of numerous high-quality images, both historical black and white and color photos, of cultural artifacts and scenes.

290s; Mythology Elizabeth Henry, Lampeter-Strasburg HS/MS

In United States History (series). Berkley Heights: Enslow, 2015. 96 p. $20.95 ea. Gr. 6-12.

Fremon, David K. The Great Depression. 978-0-7660-6087-6.

Fremon, David K. The Salem Witchcraft Trials. 978-0-7660-6340-2.

Zeinert, Karen. McCarthyism and the Communist Scare. 978-0-7660-6345-7.

Enslow added to their existing In United States History series with the publication of these three titles. The series spotlights key events in US History and are primarily intended for research projects and reports. Each title explores the background and causes of each event (Great Depression, Salem Witch Trials, McCarthyism), then examines each topic in-depth, identifying and explaining key events as well as profiling figures associated with the event. Each title also includes a limited number of black and white illustrations (photos, diagrams, etc.). THOUGHTS: This series is a solid addition to the shelves for student researchers. The text is written at accessible level appropriate for middle and high school researchers. Large margins and line spacing make the text easy to read. While these titles are likely most appropriate for research purposes, students with an interest in the topic/event may find them enjoyable leisure reading material.

300s; Economics, Law, Politics Elizabeth Henry, Lampeter-Strasburg HS/MS

MS series Fiction continuation – Urban Outlaws

Posted on January 21, 2016 by pslamediaselectionreview

Black, Peter Jay. Urban Outlaws: Blackout. Bloomsbury: New York, 2015. 978-1-61963-592-0. 291 p. $16.99 Gr. 4-8.

In the second book of the Urban Outlaws series, a major computer virus has spread. Obi believes that his uncle changed the will of his parents after his parents died in a plane crash and asks his friends for help locating the document. In their quest to capture the crushingly powerful computer virus, the group meets Hector, a young adult who knows a ton about computers and believes that he can trap the virus. But, the group wonders if they should trust Hector, which leads to conflict. THOUGHTS: With characters lacking a traditional family, they come together to help solve a major computer virus showing that hard work pays off. This is the second book in the series, and I would advise that students read the books in order.

Action/Adventure Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

Middle School Nonfiction – Scientists in Action (series); Child Soldier (NF GN)

Posted on January 18, 2016 by pslamediaselectionreview

Scientists in Action! (series). Broomall, PA: Mason Crest, 2016. 48 p. $20.95. each. Gr. 5-8.

Cassriel, Betsy R. Robot Builders! 978-1-4222-3426-6.

Kelley, K.C. Astronauts! 978-1-4222-3418-1.

Bailey, Diane. Biomedical engineers! 978-1-42223-420-4.

Glenn, John. Civil engineers! 978-1-42223-421-1.

Kelley, K.C. Marine biologists! 978-1-42223-425-9.

Rich, Mari. Big-animal vets! 978-1-42223-419-8; Cyper spy hunters! 978-1-42223-424-2,

Sutinis, Beth. Crime scene techs! 978-1-42223-423-5.

Thompson, Clifford. Archaeologists! 978-1-42223-417-4; Climatologists. 978-1-42223-422-8.

Icons draw attention to vocabulary, research projects and text-dependent questions in this new series from Mason Crest. Text is supported with catchy headings and colorful images. Just as Star Wars inspired scientist Dr. Dennis Hong to learn about robots, this series exposes readers to careers that they may have yet to consider. Readers will learn that robots are able to help soldiers in battle, safely explore the ocean and also assist doctors with surgery. If students have a passion for space, they can learn what they can do so they are prepared to apply to become an astronaut or a scientist in the field while learning first hand experiences of space related scientists. A listing of books and websites to read and learn additional facts and a series glossary of key terms and an index conclude each book. Thoughts: The series presents the many opportunities found in science while inspiring the possibilities that students invision for their future.

Careers and Occupations; Science Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

Humphreys, Jessica Dee and Michel Chikwanine. Child Soldier: When Boys and Girls Are Used in War. Illustrated by Claudia Davila. Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press, 2015. 978-1-77138-126-0. 48 p. $17.95 Gr. 5-8.

This SLJ star reviewed graphic novel is a harrowing nonfiction memoir that provides an overview of the Democratic Republic of Congo leading up to the story beginning in 1993. Children craft their own soccer balls of paper and plastic bags. During a soccer game, rebel militia arrive. Michel is hopeful that his father, a civil rights lawyer, won’t let the rebels succeed, but there is nothing that can be stopped at the time. The kids are taken and later cut with a knife while the rebels place “brown brown” (gunpowder and cocaine mixture) in the wound. After being blindfolded, five year old Michel is ordered to kill his best friend. The book is powerful and the resources provide ways that children can make differences in the world. THOUGHTS: Consider cataloging this book with the graphic novels. Students that enjoy graphic novels might not find the book in the 300’s and they might gain a great deal by reading this graphic novel. This book provides a story of growing up that may be unknown to students.

NF Graphic Novel; Children and War Beth McGuire, Wendover Middle School

YA Nonfiction – Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom and Science, Technology, and Society (series)

Posted on January 18, 2016 by pslamediaselectionreview

Lowery, Lynda Blackmon. Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March. New York: Dial Books, 2015. 978-0-8037-4123-2. 127p. $19.99. Gr. 7-12.

Lynda Blackmon Lowery was the youngest marcher on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march for voting rights. In this book, she recounts this experience as well as other key events during the civil rights movement to which she was a witness, including speeches by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., nonviolent sit-ins, and Bloody Sunday. The text is broken up by both colorful illustrations and black and white photographs from the time period. The book also includes brief biographies of lesser known civil rights activists who lost their lives in the days before and after Bloody Sunday, as well as lyrics to a couple of freedom songs. The author’s voice really comes out in the narrative, making the reader feel as though he or she is right there in the middle of the action. THOUGHTS:A solid addition to any middle or high school history collection, this would be an outstanding choice for reluctant readers. Not only is it a quick read, but it is very engaging and easy to follow. Fans of Melba Patillo Beals’ Warriors Don’t Cry would also enjoy this title.

323.1196; Civil Rights Movement Julie Ritter, Montoursville Area High School

Science, Technology, and Society (series). San Diego, CA: ReferencePoint Press, 2016. 80 p. $160. Gr. 7-12.

Allen, John. How Gene Therapy is Changing Society. 978-1-60152-898-8.

Green, Robert. How Renewable Energy is Changing Society. 978-1-60152-904-6.

Henderson, Harry. How Mobile Devices are Changing Society. 978-1-60152-902-2.

Mooney, Carla. How the Internet is Changing Society. 978-1-60152-900-8.

Nardo, Don. How Robotics is Changing Society. 978-1-60152-906-0.

This series gives an overview of five modern technological tools/scientific methods and discusses how each has impacted our society. Each title focuses on one technological or scientific advancement and provides information about its history, use in society today, potential downfalls of its use, and its future. Timelines, source notes, and additional resources are provided in each book. The text is broken up by color photographs, magazine and newspaper excerpts, charts, graphs, and highlighted vocabulary words and definitions. THOUGHTS: These easily accessible titles provide up-to-date information and statistics on 21st century science and technology topics and are therefore useful for students conducting research on these innovations. However, they will probably not be appealing to students looking for a leisurely read on these topics.

300s; 600s; Science and Technology Julie Ritter, Montoursville Area High School

Series Nonfiction…Compact Research, In Controversy, Understanding World History

Posted on April 22, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Compact Research: Addictions (series). San Diego: ReferencePoint Press, 2015. 96 p. $30.00 ea. Gr. 7-12.

Dudley, William. Synthetic Drug Addiction. 978-1-60152-764-6.

Nakaya, Andrea C. Internet and Social Media Addiction. 978-1-60152-760-8.

Parks, Peggy J. Heroin Addiction. 978-1-60152-756-1.

Wilcox, Christine. Gambling Addiction. 978-1-60152-758-5.

Wilcox, Christine. Sex and Pornography Addictions. 978-1-60152-762-2.

Focusing on a variety of addictive habits, these titles begin with an overview of each addiction and then go on to look at issues such as causes of addiction, health dangers of addiction, and ways to overcome addiction. Each chapter is supplemented by primary source quotes, color photographs, charts, graphs, and statistics. At the end of each book there is a list of key people and advocacy groups, a chronological timeline of the addiction, contact information for

related organizations, and a list of additional sources for further research. These titles provide straightforward, factual information for researchers and allow them to analyze the data and come to their own conclusions about each addiction.

600s; Addictions Julie Ritter, Montoursville Area High School

These titles are an excellent addition for student researchers. Not only is there plenty of background information presented about each addiction, but the primary source quotes, statistics, charts and graphs provide students with plenty of evidence to help them form opinions and make arguments supporting these opinions. The index, table of contents, and list of illustrations make the books easily accessible, and the list of sources for further research provides researchers with additional quality sources to guide them as they form opinions and arguments.

In Controversy (series). San Diego: ReferencePoint Press, 2015. 96 p. $31.32 ea. Gr. 7+.

Abramovitz, Melissa. How Are Digital Devices Impacting Society? 978-1-60152-772-1

This 45-book set features outstanding data and information on topics that are controversial and argumentative in today’s world. Each book in the collection focuses on a specific question from its title, then divides the book into several chapters revolving around the main components of the issue. For example, in How Are Digital Devices Impacting Society?, the author takes a look at when controversies surrounding digital devices first appeared, then shares information on how digital devices impact private and social interaction, affect the brain and thought processes, and affect physical and mental health.

One of the greatest assets of these books is that the authors try to supply and cite information from both sides of the issue, drawing from experts who both agree or disagree with the situation or feel that things positively or negatively impact society. Each books contains important facts bulleted at the end of each chapter, along with pull-out quotes throughout the reading. This book was extremely entertaining to read just for fun but would also provide excellent secondary source information for students conducting research on a controversial topic.

Technology Nicole Starner, Biglerville HS/Upper Adams MS

Understanding World History (series). San Diego: ReferencePoint Press, 2015. 96 p. $31.32 ea. Gr. 7+.

Allman, Toney. The Rise of Islam. 978-1-60152-744-8.

Marcovitz, Hal. The History of Slavery. 978-1-60152-742-4.

Marcovitz, Hal. The Rise of the Nazis. 978-1-60152-654-0.

This 22-book set covers an incredible range of topics in world history from numerous eras, including time periods and events such as Ancient Chinese Dynasties, Victorian England, the Industrial Revolution, the Holocaust, and the Early Middle Ages. Along with these selections, the set also includes books focused on other topics of interest that may be confusing and/or interesting to students, such as Islam, slavery, the Nazis, and the history of Rock and Roll.

Each book includes an index, a section describing and defining important people in the time period or event, a timeline, and photographs or illustrations to further understanding. One of the greatest assets of this collection are the numerous white-boxed sections of the text that describe stories related to the event, give more information on a particular subject, or provide statistical research associated with what is being discussed. These boxes are especially interesting and easy to read while adding supplementary knowledge on the topic.

World History Nicole Starner, Biglerville HS/Upper Adams MS

The Haven

Posted on April 10, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Williams, Carol Lynch. The Haven. New York: St. Martin’s Griffin, 2014. 978-0-312-69871-3. 209p. $18.99. Gr. 9 and up.

Haven Hospital & Halls Where You Matter Established 2020.

Shiloh has only ever known life at Haven Hospital & Halls. She has only ever eaten food grown at Haven; she has only ever had friends at Haven; only ever known the walls of Haven. She has been educated by Haven, and yet, Shiloh knows deep down that something is not quite right at Haven Hospital & Halls. When Dr. King, head of Haven, comes “too soon” according to Shiloh, she, and her friend Abigail, can only hope that he has not come for one of them, a Terminal fighting the Disease. As Shiloh continues her life in Haven as a Terminal, Abigail and Gideon, another terminal, convince Shiloh that something is wrong; something else exists beyond the walls of Haven, and it is up to them to find out the truth behind Haven Hospital & Halls.

Carol Lynch Williams delivers a hauntingly futuristic look at society, medicine, scientific discovery, and biomedical advancement and ethics in The Haven. Although 2020 is only five years away, Williams novel goes beyond that year. The events and setting of the novel establish it as very futuristic, yet forces the reader to question whether or not Haven Hospital could be or should be a reality, and how soon we may be faced with this reality. The Haven is a short novel but very challenging. Williams is vague throughout the beginning, mirroring Shiloh’s lack of memory and understanding. This forces the reader to become involved in figuring out the setting, characters, and plot. As it develops, her literary techniques only add to the intensity and horror of what Haven Hospital & Halls actually is and the reality that could face our society at any time. The Haven is one of the best YA books of 2014 because it takes a look at a realistic future, even if terrifying, and develops characters and events because of that future reality. Williams’s characters question themselves and their situation, love, feel loss, follow, and lead, while continually recognizing that they are flawed because of the choices made by society. The Haven will challenge readers understanding and hope of technology in the future.

Science Fiction Erin Parkinson, Lincoln JSHS, Ellwood City

Light Bathroom Reading…Remaking the John

Posted on April 8, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

DiPiazza, Francesca. Remaking the John: The Invention and Reinvention of the Toilet. Minneapolis: Twenty-First Century, 2015. 978-1-4677-2645-0. $34.99. 64p. Grades 5 and up.

Did you know there is a World Toilet Day? Did you also know that half a pound of solid and 47 ounces of liquid waste are produced daily by humans? Did you know that over 2 million people die annually, most of them children, due to diseases spread from poor sanitation? In Remaking the John, Francesca Davis Dipiazza investigates the ever-changing world of indoor plumbing from ancient Rome through future innovations in the toilet. With illustrations, photographs, and a list of resources, this nonfiction gem is sure to get kids interested in the daily details of defecation. Coupled with facts on diseases and specific instances in which phrases such as “plucking a rose” were born, the photographs of primitive pots are intriguing, causing the reader to envision themselves in the “squat or not” predicament. This nonfiction work can find a place in the curriculum with world history, inventions, and environmentalism. It is definitely a nose-crinkling page turner.

644; Technology Brooke Gerlach, Manheim Central MS

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